Worms exploit Microsoft MS06-040 flaws

A new threat has emerged which exploits the vulnerability that was revealed during Microsoft's mega patch Tuesday last week. Security firm Sophos warns in a security alert that two worms - W32/Cuebot-L and W32/Cuebot-M - spread via AOL instant messenger, exploiting the vulnerability described in Microsoft's MS06-040 security bulletin. Sophos rates the threats as 'critical'. ...more

Microsoft makes bid for eBay access

Microsoft and eBay are inviting third-party developers to pick up and run with new tools that give access to eBay listings management features. By using Excel 2003 or FrontPage 2003 it will be possible to devise new ways of interfacing with eBay. For example, using Excel, it should be possible to dynamically update particular prices and bids within a spreadsheet. ...more

Samsung memory moves cast shadow over iPod nano sales

There have been weaker-than-expected iPod nano sales this year, resulting in moves by Samsung to dump excess stock of NAND flash into the memory market, reports DigiTimes, citing sources within the memory industry. The South Korean electronics giant, which is one of the world's leading manufacturers of Flash memory, has apparently been trying to offload excess stock since February. Flash memory, of course, is a key third-party component for the iPod range, and Apple has been careful to secure its supply. ...more

Standard set for removable hard drives

Eight Japanese IT companies have agreed the basic specifications for a removable hard drive that they hope will change the way data is stored on computers, replacing the embedded hard drives where applications, files and operating systems are traditionally kept. The iVDR (information versatile disk for removable storage) Consortium has agreed the specifications, including hardware, interface and file system, for 2.5in drives and plans to work towards a similar agreement for 1. ...more

Free broadband promise, too good to be true?

Fantastic as it may seem, a new ISP is taking pre-registrations for what it promises will be the world's first free broadband. Freebroadband says its 'incredible' service will be open to UK home users from the spring. The promise of broadband for free will no doubt be met with suspicion, not least because the company is unprepared to say how it can cover the not insubstantial costs of running a broadband service. ...more